AP Government: Understanding Elections and Political Systems

What is the primary function of political parties in the United States?

• To provide support for non-profit organizations

• To educate the public about civic duties

• To nominate candidates for public office and get them elected

• To solely fundraise for elections

What distinguishes a primary election from a general election?

• A primary election is for selecting party leaders, while a general election is for electing government officials.

• A primary election is for electing government officials, while a general election is for selecting party leaders.

• A primary election determines a party’s nominee for a general election, where the final election takes place.

• There is no significant difference; both terms are interchangeable.

What is the difference between an open primary and a closed primary?

• An open primary allows only registered party members to vote, while a closed primary is open to all voters regardless of party affiliation.

• An open primary is open to all voters regardless of party affiliation, while a closed primary allows only registered party members to vote.

• There is no difference; both terms describe the same process.

• An open primary selects Democratic candidates, while a closed primary selects Republican candidates.

Which of the following best describes political socialization?

• The process by which political parties select their candidates

• The process by which individuals learn and frequently internalize a political lens framing their perceptions of how power is arranged and how the world around them is (and should be) organized

• The negotiation process between different political parties to form coalitions

• The act of voting in national elections

What does the nomination process involve in the context of U.S. elections?

• The process of formally accepting a job offer from a political party

• The act of voting in the general election

• The process through which a political party selects a single candidate to run for each elective office

• The procedure of registering to vote in state and national elections

According to the Downs Model, what is the primary goal of political parties?

• To implement specific policy agendas regardless of public opinion

• To win elections and control government

• To educate the public on political issues

• To support third-party candidates and issues

What does realignment theory suggest about the American political system?

• It suggests that political parties rarely change their platforms and policies.

• It suggests that major shifts in political loyalty and party support occur gradually over time.

• It suggests that major shifts in political loyalty and party support can occur suddenly, often in response to significant national events.

• It suggests that voters are less likely to switch their political party allegiance over time.

Why does the United States have a two-party system?

• Because it is mandated by the U.S. Constitution

• Due to historical tradition and the winner-take-all electoral system

• Because third parties are not allowed to participate in elections

• Due to a law passed by Congress in the early 20th century

What role do third parties usually play in U.S. elections?

• They typically win major national elections.

• They often serve as a major opposition to the two dominant parties.

• They usually influence the platforms of the major parties and bring attention to specific issues.

• They are primarily responsible for nominating presidential candidates.

Which of the following is a characteristic feature of a closed primary?

• Only independent voters are allowed to participate.

• Voters can choose on election day which party's primary to vote in.

• Only voters registered with a party can vote in that party's primary.

• All registered voters can participate, regardless of party affiliation.